Bicycles have come a long way, with improvements ranging from carbon fiber frames to suspensions and even folding bikes. Over the years, even entry-level bikes have become a great option even for professionals to use at Tour de France-level events.

Today, getting a bike is so easy, and most of the time you don’t even have to spend a lot of money just to get your hands on a dependable one that will last you a long time. Here are some things to think about when getting a bike:

1. How much can you afford?
When it comes to buying a bike, it’s important to have a budget and stick to it – but don’t stick to it too tightly. It’s important to have a little extra legroom in your budget to spend on things like a tire pump, replacement brakes, or even spare tires and rims.

You should also keep in mind that several components such as gears wear out over time. If you plan on using it a lot or for rough treks over long distances, you might want to invest in parts that will last longer than average ones. A helmet is also a good investment.

2. What do you intend to use it for?
Are you looking for something to use for extreme sports? Or do you need it to go to work every morning? A short afternoon cruise, or a long-distance trek? Perhaps you’re looking at a bike as a way of doing exercise, or even all of the above.

In that case, you don’t have to worry about the names – manufacturers are getting better at making bikes for people who want more than just one thing from it. When it comes to modern models, even a regular hybrid frame can be customized into a mountain or a road bike.

3. Where will you be riding it?
Think about the terrain that you will be riding your bike on. If it’s rough and uphill, you might want to get one with at least three speeds. However, if you’re riding on smooth paved road, you’re fine with just one (mind the tire treads in case it rains, though).

Don’t stress yourself out over special features. You might need tubeless tires and a Di2 if you prefer your roads mountainous and with thorn bushes, but if you need a general-purpose bike, you can simply stick with the basics